The question of whether Eastchurch is a safe place for families to live is a common one, and the answer requires a look at the available data. Eastchurch, located within the Borough of Swale, has a population of 4890. When assessing safety, it's crucial to examine both overall crime rates and more specific categories.
Currently, Eastchurch’s crime rate stands at 101.2 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is slightly higher than the UK average, which sits at 91.6 per 1,000. It’s important to note that crime rate figures can be influenced by various factors, including population density, reporting practices, and the types of crimes occurring.
To provide a more nuanced understanding, we should also consider the violent crime rate. In Eastchurch, the violent crime rate is recorded as 73.6 per 1,000 people. While this is also above the national average, it's vital to interpret this figure in context. The safety score for Eastchurch is 69/100, which is below the UK average of 79/100. This score attempts to summarise several safety factors, although its exact methodology isn't always fully transparent.
It's crucial to remember that these figures represent overall averages for Eastchurch. Safety can vary considerably within different neighbourhoods. Local community groups, police presence, and neighbourhood watch schemes can significantly impact the perceived and actual safety of a specific area. Further investigation into specific streets and local news reports (within the provided timeframe) might offer a more granular picture of safety concerns. While the data suggests a slightly elevated crime risk compared to the UK average, it doesn't necessarily preclude Eastchurch from being a suitable place for families. A comprehensive assessment should involve more than just statistics and include consideration of personal preferences and local community dynamics.